S Korea rocket explodes midair

A South Korean rocket carrying a climate observation satellite apparently exploded 137 seconds into its flight early on Thursday,the countrys second major space setback in less than a year.

The two-stage Naro rocket operated normally during and after liftoff from the space centre,Minister of Education,Science and Technology Ahn Byong-man said. But then communications with the rocket were lost. We believe that the Naro rocket is likely to have exploded, he said. We are sorry for failing to live up to people8217;s expectations.

An image from a camera aboard the Naro brightened like a flash of light,possibly evidence of an explosion,he said.

Ahn said that South Korea will begin preparations to announce a new launch date as soon as the cause of the setback is determined.

The launch was originally scheduled for Wednesday,but was delayed a day because fire retardant suddenly sprayed from three nozzles set up near the launch pad to extinguish any blaze.